The Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair (GNCCF), which takes place from 4 to 7 October in Manchester, will this year host a dedicated stand to showcase works from 15 alumni of the Craft Council’s Hothouse programme and will feature works by three North West designer-makers.
Showcasing their work on the Hothouse stand are Didsbury jeweller, Jane Dzisiewski; Sale silversmith, Hannah Felicity Dunne and Knutsford jeweller, Carly Petitt-Taylor.
Hothouse is the Crafts Council’s professional development scheme to support emerging makers in the early stages of setting up their practice. The chance to show their work together on the GNCCF Hothouse stand, allows these emerging makers an opportunity to be seen by an audience of over 6,000 visitors, with the full support of the fair and each other.
Speaking about her involvement in the Hothouse programme, Jane Dzisiewski said: “The Crafts Council’s Hothouse scheme was a fantastic opportunity to focus on my practice and plan which direction I wanted to go. I came away with a firmer grasp of my options within the craft sector and with a greatly extended network of peers and contacts to turn to for advice, support and future collaborations. The offer of a group stand at GNCCF is a terrific platform for the Hothouse participants to showcase work collectively.”
…allows these emerging makers an opportunity to be seen by an audience of over 6,000 visitors, with the full support of the fair and each other…
Hannah Felicity Dunne added: “The Hothouse programme has been an amazing experience that has given me the tools to focus on my artistic practice as a business and realise its future potential.
“The interaction with peers, programme leaders, mentors and guest speakers has both widened my knowledge and highlighted the importance of building a supportive network. To have a group stand at GNCCF is a fantastic opportunity for us to continue our professional development.
Carly Petitt-Taylor concluded: “”I was chosen to be part of the Crafts Council Hothouse scheme last year. The course has been invaluable in equipping me with not only the practical business skills, but a way of strengthening the creative side.
“Now, being able to have a group stand at GNCCF is great as it can be a daunting prospect going to a show on your own: this way we can maintain the support which is often lacking early on in a craft business.”
Hothouse alumni showing at GNCCF
The full list of Hothouse alumni selling their work at the GNCCF this year includes:
Ceramics
Claire Baker
Zoe Lloyd
Anna Collette Hunt
Jewellery
Aimee Betts
Eleanor Bolton
Jane Dzisiewski
Carly Petitt-Taylor
Ros Millar
Silversmithing
Hannah Felicity Dunne
Textiles
Emma Bradbury
Helen Foot
Rose Sharpe-Jones
Amy Bear
About the Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair
Winner of the Small Tourism Event of the Year category at the 2011 Manchester Tourism Awards, the Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair champions and promotes high quality, cutting edge contemporary craft, showcasing the latest work in textiles, wood & furniture, lighting, mixed media, metal, jewellery, glass, ceramics, basketry and paper.
The event is filled with new and established makers and visitors have a unique opportunity to see and buy beautiful handmade pieces and talk to the designers about their work and influences.
The full list of 150 exhibitors attending this year’s Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair can now be found by visiting greatnorthernevents.co.uk/2012-exhibitors
Tags:
Art
